Local student is one of the brightest middle school students in the world

Maximilian Mazzatta, an 8th grader from Sandyston, was honored this weekend as one of the brightest middle school students in the world at an international Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth (CTY) awards ceremony.
Maximilian, a student at Hilltop Country Day School, was honored for his exceptional performance on the SAT, ACT, or similar assessment taken as part of the CTY Talent Search. CTY uses above-grade-level testing to identify advanced students from around the world and provide a clear picture of their true academic abilities.
More than 50,000 students in the second through eighth grades participated in CTY’s Talent Search between July 1, 2016 and June 30, 2018, representing all 50 states and more than 80 countries. Seventh and eighth graders from this group who scored in the top 12 percent on their test were invited to attend one of CTY’s Grand Ceremonies, held May 18 and 19 at Johns Hopkins University. Nearly 2,000 students and their families were invited to this year’s ceremonies, held in the University’s newly renovated Shriver Hall and honoring high scorers from the past two academic years.
“Students, today is about recognition and achievement, but it is also about celebrating your potential to think big ideas, solve tough problems, and work with others to make a difference in your communities and in the world,” said Amy Shelton, CTY’s Interim Executive Director and Director of Research. “I encourage you to continue to seek out opportunities to nurture and grow this great potential in the months and years to come.”
Max plans on taking his talents to the prestigious United Nations International School (UNIS) in Manhattan upon his graduation from Hilltop in a few short weeks. Head of School, Kevin Folan, notes, “Max represents the best of what Hilltop has to offer. He is a talented student who works hard and continues to test himself inside and outside the classroom.”
Hilltop Country Day School is an independent school serving students in Preschool through Grade 8. Hilltop’s progressive curriculum combines the best of traditional academics with project-based learning in a warm, nurturing environment. For more information visit Hilltop at www.hilltopcds.org